Aintree Racecourse is delighted to announce that singers from Resonate Music Hub will be amongst a number of pupils performing the National Anthem prior to the 2015 Crabbie’s Grand National Race this Saturday, 11 April.

Each year the National Anthem is sung prior to the Grand National with previous performers including Welsh soprano, singer and songwriter, Katherine Jenkins, and the famous Military Wives Choir.

However, 2015 will see the unique creation of a local children’s choir who will sing the National Anthem at one of the biggest sporting events in world, in front of 72,000 people at Aintree Racecourse and 9 million people in the UK on Channel 4.

In partnership with Resonate, Aintree is working with five local schools [BarlowsPrimary School, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Holy Name Catholic Primary School,Northcote Primary School and Resonate Singers) to give 60-70 music pupils in the Aintree community an opportunity of a lifetime. Children will range from ages 9-13 years old.

At the Betfred Becher Chase Community Day in December 2014, Aintree Racecourse gave free access to racegoers and launched its first community programme aimed at providing inspiring opportunities to children and adults in the community, and this new initiative forms part of this long term plan.

 John Baker, Regional Director of the Jockey Club North West, said:

“After launching our first Aintree Community programme last year, we are delighted to be working with Resonate to offer this opportunity to 60-70 local children to sing their hearts out before the greatest horserace in the world.

“We are committed to supporting the local community and look forward to inspiring more kids and adults and providing further opportunities through our sport.”

Assistant head of services at Resonate Music Hub, Jean Tremarco said:

“Resonate has a leading role in supporting music in and out of schools, working with partners from across the city we value every opportunity to showcase pupil talent. We support musical activities, choirs, bands and pupils learning instruments in most schools across Liverpool and operate as a powerful voice for great music in our schools.

“Resonate are delighted at being asked to put together a choir to sing at the Grand National. This will be an exciting event for the children and staff of the primary schools involved. Thank you to the Jockey Club for inviting us, I know the children will be amazing!”

Tickets and hospitality packages for The 2015 Crabbie’sGrand National Festival are available to purchase now at www.thecrabbiesgrandnational.co.uk or by calling 0844 579 3001.

Racegoers can also buy tickets directly from the sales office at Aintree Racecourse.

Updates can also be found by following; @AintreeRaces #FabulousFriday#grandnational, facebook.com/aintree